Addition and Subtraction Stories

On Friday we did our first lesson on addition and subtraction stories. At this point, we aren't writing equations or using symbols or even using the words addition and subtraction . We are simply describing stories where more are added or some are taken away.

Our first example was with trick or treaters. An example of an addition story is "There were 4 trick or treaters. Then 3 more trick or treaters came. Now there are 7 trick  or treaters." A subtraction story works the same way except instead of arrriving, trick or treaters are going home. This type of foundation will help students have a more complete understanding when we begin using symbols and writing equations later in the year.

We will continue practicing math stories during whole group instruction and by next week the students will begin coming up with thier own stories independently in math stations.